"The Xtreme" This past Saturday the Xtreme traveled to East Meadow to play the East Meadow Starz in round one of the Waldbaums Cup. The sunshine dried up the fields nicely and the team was very excited to be back outdoors. Both teams looked a little rusty in the first 15 minutes of the match, but the Xtreme kept pressure on the Starz defense throughout the match and went home a 3-0 winner.

At the start of the match, with a back line of Alison Holfester, Deanna DiPierro and Jenna Codignotto, the Xtreme was able to keep the ball in the Starz defense end at the start of the match. These backs continuously beat their opponent to the ball, gaining possession and played the ball forward. Colette Seel, Isabel McKeown and Lauren Miesemer were in at forward. These forwards connected on multiple passes which put the team in scoring position. For the first 18 minutes of the match, the team had quite a few opportunities, but couldn't hit the back of the net. At the nineteen minute mark, the Xtreme finally got on the scoreboard when Deanna had a free kick at midfield. She sent the ball into the six yard box where Colette smartly one timed it into the goal to give her team the lead. Sam Derby was the first half keeper. Sam didn't come under pressure often, but when she did she handled the situation well.

Lauren Miesemer battles for possession At the start of the second half, Katie Roscoe, Sam Derby and Cara Adams were in at backs. As in the first half, the Xtreme defense consistently took space away from the Starz forward. The backs intercepted the ball regularly when the Starz tried to move the ball forward. Sam Miesemer, Joanna Sokolvic and Isabel were in up front. The passing improved as the team got used to outdoor conditions. At the eight minute mark of the half, Cara played the ball to her target, Sam M. Sam carried the ball down the right side and perfectly played a square ball to the top of the 18 yard box where Joanna was making a run to goal. Joanna wasted no time and blasted the ball into the goal to put her team up 2-0. Four minutes later, Sam D. had a free kick at midfield. Sam sent a well struck lofted ball into the penalty area. Isabel trapped the ball skillfully and under immediate pressure played the ball to an open Joanna. Joanna hit the net again and sealed the victory. Jenna was the second half keeper. In the final few minutes the match opened up with end to end play. Jenna preserved the shut out with two incredible point blank saves.

Deanna DiPierro contains her opponent

Cara Adams pressures the attackerJoanne Sokolovic races to the ballKatie Roscoe beings the ball forward